A MAJOR crime story is brewing after Sussex police warned the public to be on the look-out for a stolen Irish teapot.
Detectives investigating a country house burglary are asking antique dealers if they’ve been offered the silver teapot which comes with a four figure price tag.
The Irish made ornament has been spouting mugs of scald since circa 1806, but there hasn’t been any stir since it was stolen in December, according to Sussex Police.
An inscription on the side of the pot reads:
“To John Boxwell of Sarshill - This prize is presented for the best tier of drilled wheat August 1808 - By James Harvey, Esq.”
The ornament weighs 26 oz. It has five assay marks on it: from the top these show George II, a crown over harp the Hibernia emblem an M (meaning the date of assay, 1806), and what looks like S. 1 (possibly the silversmith's sign).
Boiling detectives are eager to talk to a mystery woman described as white, in her 40's, and about 5'2", of slim build, with dark swept back hair who is believed to speak with an English accent. (If you’re thinking it must be Mrs Doyle from Father Ted, then we jumped to that conclusion too)!
Detective Constable Gary Baker of the East Sussex Priority Crime Team said; “We want to trace this woman and anyone who has been offered items of this type recently, in particular the silver teapot and anyone who saw anything suspicious around Wych Cross, east of the A22 in the Colemans Hatch Road area, between 18 and 20 December.”
If you can help, please email [email protected] quoting Serial 0806 of 21/12. You can also the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
